As spring approaches, it’s time to start thinking about giving your HVAC system a thorough cleaning. After a long winter of constant use, your air filtration system can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other contaminants, reducing its efficiency and increasing your energy costs.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips on how to keep your air filtration system working at peak efficiency.
The Importance of Air Filtration Systems
Air filtration systems are crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. They filter out pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles, keeping the air in your home or work environment clean and fresh. The importance of air filtration systems was highlighted in a study in the Upper Silesia region of Poland during the six months of “cold season”, which revealed that air purifiers decreased the concentration of microbiological pollutants significantly by 18%. Consequently, researchers concluded that this impact could reduce the negative health effects of indoor bioaerosols.
From a practical point of view, well-functioning, clean air filtration systems also help protect your HVAC from damage by preventing dust and debris from building up on sensitive components.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to keep your air filtration system working at peak efficiency is to perform regular maintenance. This process includes replacing your air filter every 30-60 days, depending on usage. A dirty filter can reduce airflow and cause your system to work harder, leading to higher energy costs and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system.
UK government guidelines specify that all air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW must be regularly inspected by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor, with inspections no more than five years apart. However, it is recommended to schedule maintenance for your HVAC system annually. A professional technician can check your system for issues and perform necessary repairs or cleaning. This regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your system.
When it comes to HEPA filters, in Europe, they must meet a strict set of requirements to be considered fit for purpose. These include being able to remove at least 99.95% of particles from the air (99.97% in the US). Furthermore, GMP guidelines state that HEPA filters in sterile environments must be free of leaks, with leak tests must be performed every six months in A/B zones and every twelve months in C/D zones. Failure of the test means the filter must be replaced.
Upgrading Your Air Filtration System
If you have an older HVAC system, consider upgrading your air filtration system. Newer systems are more energy-efficient and offer better filtration capabilities. For example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including viruses and bacteria.
Sealing Air Leaks
Another critical factor in maintaining the efficiency of your air filtration system is sealing air leaks in your home. Air leaks can allow pollutants and allergens to enter your home, reducing the effectiveness of your air filtration system. They can also lead to drafts and higher energy costs.
Common areas for air leaks include windows, doors, and ductwork. You can use weatherstripping and caulking to seal leaks around windows and doors, and duct sealant to seal leaks in your ductwork.
The Importance of Clean Ductwork
Finally, it’s essential to keep your ductwork clean. Over time, dust and debris can build up in your ducts, reducing airflow and the efficiency of your HVAC system. In addition, dirty ducts can circulate pollutants and allergens throughout your home.
Professional duct cleaning can help remove dirt and debris from your ducts, improving airflow and indoor air quality. All employers are legally obligated to ensure working environments are clean and safe, with regular ductwork cleaning as part of that process.
Keeping your HVAC clean is essential not just for the health of the individuals in your environment but also to ensure it offers the best efficiency. Regular checks and maintenance performed by a specialist can make the process straightforward and hassle-free.
If you have any questions about cleaning and maintaining your HVAC, please get in contact with our engineers.